Tommy Makinson has taken out the Golden Boot award after impressing for England. Picture: Getty

Rugby League

Tedesco snubbed in Golden Boot award upset

by Staff writers

7th Nov 2018 10:54 AM

ENGLISH winger Tom Makinson is the shock winner of the 2018 Golden Boot Award, beating out James Tedesco, Elliott Whitehead and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for the honour.

The St Helens star got his opportunity to play for England during the three-Test series against New Zealand, impressing on the big stage with a hat-trick against the Kiwis at Anfield last week.

The 27-year-old's surprise selection for the award caps off a breakthrough season on the international scene.

Makinson becomes the fifth English player to be awarded the Golden Boot since 1984 and first since former captain Kevin Sinfield in 2012. He's also the first winger to win the award.

In the lead-up to the award, Australia, NSW and Roosters fullback Tedesco was considered favourite to land the accolade after winning a State of Origin series and an NRL premiership, as well as strong performances on debut for the Kangaroos.

However, Tedesco was hurt by the judging criteria in 2018, with the award recognising the most outstanding performances in international football.

Roosters star James Tedesco was beaten for the award by English winger Tom Makinson.

It covers all international games played from the World Cup final in December to Sunday's Test between the Kiwis and England.

Tedesco made his debut for Australia in the Kangaroos' loss to New Zealand last month before they bounced back to beat Tonga. He was also a part of Italy's disappointing showing in the 2017 World Cup.

Makinson made his debut for England off the bench in the mid-year Test in Denver, and was then called into Wayne Bennett's starting team for the end of year series against the Kiwis, where he has starred.